Matt Lauer Inks New Deal With 'Today'

4/6/2012 1:05 PM ET

Matt Lauer has signed a new deal to stay on as the host of the "Today Show" on NBC. The news comes as little shock to fans and network executives, but his co-hosts Ann Currey and Al Roker were none the less thrilled, calling the announcement "a huge bit of good news."

Lauer broke the news on an episode of the morning staple this week, explaining:

"This is my family. I love this job, I love working with you guys."

He did joke, however, that he briefly entertained the idea of launching another show:

"Truth be told, I was developing an idea for a new show," Lauer said. "Where viewers could tune in every morning and see someone they know lose a little more of his hair every single day right in front of their eyes, but then I thought, I could just stay here and do that."